City of Kitchener

Kitchener is a vibrant, confident and cosmopolitan community, located in the Region of Waterloo. In the heart of southwestern Ontario, we are located less than one hour from Toronto, Canada's largest city, and a couple of hours from the American cities of Detroit and Buffalo via Highway 401. Kitchener is approximately the same distance, less than a two-hour flight, from the other major North American financial centres Montreal, Chicago and New York. More than 60 percent of Canada's population and 40 percent of the U.S. population live within a 500-mile radius of us.

With a population of over 240,000, Kitchener offers big-city excitement without losing its small-town charm. The city’s deep Germanic roots and history are most evident during the annual Kitchener-Waterloo Oktoberfest, the largest celebration of all things Bavarian outside of Germany. Come join in the fun as the entire city dusts off its lederhosen and dirndls to polka and sing from morning till night during the 9-day festival. But Kitchener is known far and wide for more than the Tapping of the Keg. The 2015 annual TD Kitchener Blues Festival drew 150,000 people over the four-day festival, with performances by some of the biggest names in blues from around the world. Add on the KOI Music Festival and Big Music Fest — one of the largest music festivals in Ontario — and Kitchener is the place to be for music lovers.

Kitchener also celebrates its rich cultural heritage through its many intriguing museums. Visit the historic Homer Watson House and Gallery and learn about one of Canada’s most celebrated masters, or stroll through the Waterloo Region Museum and Doon Heritage Village to experience first hand what life was like in Waterloo County in 1914. Twenty-two historic buildings and period-costumed interpreters bring the past to vibrant life for you and your family.  Home of the Kitchener-Waterloo Art Gallery and world-class performing arts theatre, the Centre in the Square, Kitchener is a hub of artistic and cultural celebrations. Explore the many restaurants and cafes, sample a craft beer in a microbrewery or stretch out by the lake in historic Victoria Park. Whatever you choose, Kitchener’s pride in its history and cultural diversity makes this a truly unique city.